1 Samuel 1:11

KJV

And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she vowed {H5087} a vow {H5088}, and said {H559}, O LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, if thou wilt indeed {H7200} look {H7200} on the affliction {H6040} of thine handmaid {H519}, and remember {H2142} me, and not forget {H7911} thine handmaid {H519}, but wilt give {H5414} unto thine handmaid {H519} a man {H582} child {H2233}, then I will give {H5414} him unto the LORD {H3068} all the days {H3117} of his life {H2416}, and there shall no razor {H4177} come {H5927} upon his head {H7218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then she took a vow; she said, "ADONAI-Tzva'ot, if you will notice how humiliated your servant is, if you will remember me and not forget your servant but will give your servant a male child, then I will give him to ADONAI for as long as he lives; and no razor will ever come on his head."

Berean Standard Bible

And she made a vow, pleading, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head.”

American Standard Version

And she vowed a vow, and said, O Jehovah of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thy handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thy handmaid, but wilt give unto thy handmaid a man-child, then I will give him unto Jehovah all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 1:11 captures Hannah's fervent prayer and solemn vow to the LORD, born from her deep anguish over barrenness. In this pivotal moment, she pledges that if God grants her a son, she will dedicate him entirely to the LORD for his entire life as a Nazarite, demonstrating profound faith, sacrificial commitment, and a radical trust in divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the emotional and narrative climax of Hannah's personal suffering and fervent prayer described in [1 Samuel 1:1-10](/1_samuel/1-10 "1 Samuel 1:1-10 - Hannah's Anguish and Annual Pilgrimage"). It immediately follows her bitter weeping and deep distress at the Tabernacle in Shiloh, and it sets the stage for Eli's initial misunderstanding of her intense prayer. The vow recorded here is the direct precursor to the miraculous birth of Samuel, his subsequent dedication to the LORD, and his pivotal role in the unfolding narrative of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") as a prophet and judge who would anoint Israel's first kings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Samuel occur during the tumultuous period of the Judges, a time characterized by spiritual decline and moral anarchy, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone did what was right in their own eyes")). In this society, barrenness was a significant personal sorrow and a social stigma, often perceived as divine judgment or disfavor. The annual pilgrimage to Shiloh, where the Tabernacle (God's dwelling place) was located, was a central act of worship. The Nazarite vow, detailed in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite"), was a known practice for individuals to consecrate themselves specially to God, involving specific abstentions and the distinctive growth of hair.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces and develops several key themes. It highlights the theme of earnest, desperate prayer from the afflicted, demonstrating God's attentiveness to the cries of His people, particularly those in distress. It underscores the theme of divine remembrance and intervention, echoing similar narratives of barren women in the Old Testament, such as Sarah ([Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1 "Genesis 21:1-2 - God remembers Sarah")) and Rachel ([Genesis 30:22](/genesis/30-22 "Genesis 30:22 - God remembers Rachel")), where God actively intervenes to open the womb. Furthermore, it establishes the profound theme of sacrificial dedication and the fulfillment of vows, setting the precedent for Samuel's lifelong service to the LORD and his crucial role in bringing spiritual renewal to Israel, thereby foreshadowing God's raising up of faithful leaders in times of spiritual barrenness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vow (Hebrew, _neder'_):** A solemn, binding promise or pledge made to God, often conditional upon divine action or as an expression of profound devotion. In ancient Israel, such vows were taken very seriously, implying a legal and spiritual commitment that required fulfillment. Hannah's "vow" here signifies a deeply intentional and weighty promise.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yahweh Sabaoth'_):** This majestic divine title emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty and omnipotence as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation. Hannah's use of this powerful appellation reflects her profound understanding of God's immense power and her desperate appeal to Him as the one capable of intervening in her seemingly impossible situation and granting her a child.
* **Handmaid (Hebrew, _amah'_):** This term signifies a female servant or slave, conveying a sense of humility, submission, and utter dependence. Hannah's self-identification as God's "handmaid" underscores her low status, her complete reliance on God's grace and compassion, and her willingness to serve His purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts":** This opening clause immediately establishes the solemnity and intentionality of Hannah's desperate prayer. Her direct address to "O LORD of hosts" signifies her profound recognition of God's supreme power and authority, appealing to Him as the sovereign ruler who commands all creation and possesses the ability to intervene in her barrenness.
* **"if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid":** Hannah's plea is deeply personal and emotionally charged. "Look on the affliction" expresses her desperate longing for God's compassionate attention to her suffering. The plea to "remember me, and not forget" is a common biblical idiom that implies a desire for God's active and decisive intervention on her behalf, moving from passive awareness to redemptive action.
* **"but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child":** This is the specific, heartfelt request at the core of her prayer. The emphasis on a "man child" highlights the cultural importance of male heirs in ancient Israel and the particular nature of the Nazarite vow, which often applied to males, signifying a desire for a son who could serve in a significant capacity.
* **"then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life":** This clause reveals the radical nature of Hannah's vow – a complete and lifelong dedication of the promised son to God's service. It demonstrates extraordinary faith and selflessness, promising to return to God the very thing she most desperately desires, a testament to her absolute trust in His goodness.
* **"and there shall no razor come upon his head":** This specific condition explicitly identifies the son as a lifelong Nazarite. This vow, detailed in [Numbers 6:5](/numbers/6-5 "Numbers 6:5 - Nazarite Vow: No Razor"), included abstaining from cutting one's hair, signifying a person consecrated to God under special, binding vows. This detail underscores the complete and unwavering dedication to God's service envisioned for the child from birth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey Hannah's profound devotion and the gravity of her vow. The **repetition** of "thine handmaid" emphasizes Hannah's humility and persistent plea, reinforcing her identity as a humble servant seeking divine favor. The phrase "vowed a vow" (a **cognate accusative**) intensifies the action, highlighting the solemn and binding nature of her promise to God. The entire prayer functions as a heartfelt **supplication**, a direct and earnest appeal to God, demonstrating both her profound desperation and unwavering faith. The specific mention of "no razor come upon his head" serves as a potent **symbol** of the Nazarite vow, immediately communicating the extent of her dedication and the unique, consecrated calling she envisions for her son. This vow also acts as a powerful **foreshadowing** device, hinting at the extraordinary life and prophetic ministry of Samuel, who would indeed serve God faithfully all his days, becoming a pivotal figure in Israel's history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hannah's vow is a profound theological statement, illustrating the power of desperate, faithful prayer and the principle of covenantal dedication. It reveals a God who "looks on the affliction" of His people, hears their cries, and remembers them with active compassion. Her willingness to dedicate her longed-for son back to the LORD exemplifies a radical trust in divine sovereignty and a sacrificial response to God's anticipated grace. This act of giving back to God what is most precious establishes a pattern of divine-human partnership that would shape the future of Israel through Samuel's ministry, demonstrating that God often works through humble, consecrated individuals to fulfill His purposes.

* [Genesis 28:20-22](/genesis/28-20 "Genesis 28:20-22 - Jacob's Vow at Bethel")
* [Psalm 66:13-14](/psalms/66-13 "Psalm 66:13-14 - Fulfilling Vows")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay in Fulfilling Vows")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hannah's vow in [1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow") offers a timeless and powerful model for believers facing deep personal anguish or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Her prayer is not a casual request but a raw, honest outpouring of soul, demonstrating that true faith involves bringing our deepest pains and desires before God with humility, persistence, and complete transparency. It challenges us to consider the depth of our own trust in God's ability to intervene, even when circumstances seem utterly hopeless. Furthermore, Hannah's radical commitment to dedicate her future son to God's lifelong service serves as a powerful reminder of the principle of giving our "firstfruits" and our most cherished possessions back to the Lord. It calls us to examine what we are willing to surrender to God's purposes, recognizing that true blessing often comes through sacrificial devotion and unwavering faithfulness to the commitments we make before Him. Her story encourages us to pray with abandon and to live with a spirit of generous dedication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "afflictions" or deep longings are you currently bringing before the "LORD of hosts" with the same desperation and faith as Hannah?**
* **How does Hannah's willingness to give back what she most desired challenge your own understanding of dedication and sacrifice to God?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to make a "vow" of deeper commitment or surrender, trusting Him completely with the outcome?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Hannah addressing God as "LORD of hosts"?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) is highly significant. It portrays God as the supreme commander of heavenly armies and all creation, emphasizing His omnipotence, sovereignty, and limitless power. For Hannah, in her state of barrenness and deep distress, appealing to God by this title was an acknowledgment that only a God of such immense power could intervene in her seemingly impossible situation and grant her a child. It reflects her profound trust in His ability to bring life out of barrenness and order out of chaos, as seen in other biblical accounts where God's power is displayed, such as in [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts").

**What exactly was a Nazarite vow, and why did Hannah choose it for her son?**

Answer: A Nazarite vow was a special vow of consecration to God, detailed in [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite"). It involved three main prohibitions: abstaining from wine and all grape products, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. It could be for a set period or, as in Samuel's case, for life. Hannah chose this for her son to signify his complete and lifelong dedication to God's service. It was an extraordinary act of devotion, demonstrating that if God granted her the child she longed for, he would not be for her own pleasure or status, but entirely for God's purposes, serving Him from birth. This commitment underscored her profound faith and the depth of her gratitude, ensuring Samuel would be set apart for God's divine will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hannah's desperate plea and sacrificial vow in [1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow") profoundly foreshadow the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Her longing for a son, a "man child," echoes humanity's deep need for a deliverer, a need ultimately met in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Hannah dedicated her son Samuel, who would become a pivotal prophet and judge, God Himself "gave" His only Son, Jesus, as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity (as proclaimed in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God so loved the world")). The Nazarite vow, with its emphasis on separation and dedication, points to Christ's perfect consecration to God's will and His sinless life, set apart for His divine mission. He was the true "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who fulfilled all righteousness and offered Himself without blemish, a lifelong dedication to the Father's purposes. Hannah's barrenness, overcome by divine intervention, also serves as a spiritual metaphor for humanity's inability to produce spiritual fruit apart from God's grace, a barrenness overcome by the spiritual birth and new life offered through faith in Christ ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God")). Ultimately, Hannah's story of a son given in response to desperate prayer and dedicated to God's service finds its fullest and most glorious realization in Jesus, the Son given by God for the world's salvation, consecrated entirely to His Father's will, and through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 13:5

For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.

Numbers 6:5

All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth [himself] unto the LORD, he shall be holy, [and] shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

Ecclesiastes 5:4

¶ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Genesis 29:32

And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

1 Samuel 1:19

¶ And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

Judges 11:30

And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,

Genesis 30:22

And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.